2 reported missing following avalanche

Sun., Feb. 18, 2007

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

HELENA – Two snowmobilers were reported missing after an avalanche in the Big Belt Mountains on Saturday afternoon, Lewis and Clark County officials said.

Sheriff Cheryl Liedle said three people were snowmobiling in the Mount Baldy area northwest of Townsend around noon, when two were caught in an avalanche.

One man escaped the slide but got stuck while riding out and had to walk part of the way.

He was not able to call for help until around 6 p.m., Liedle said.

A volunteer firefighter had located the two snowmobiles around 9 p.m., Liedle said, but she had no word on whether the snowmobilers had been found.

Searchers from Broadwater and Lewis and Clark counties were searching an area about 200 by 300 yards, she said.

All three snowmobilers are from the Townsend area, Liedle said.

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